Visit Japan Web Nishitokyo
Visit Japan Web invites you to explore Nishitokyo, located to the west of Tokyo’s 23 special wards. It primarily serves as a residential area for commuters working in the city. While not often promoted as a tourist destination, Nishitokyo boasts parks, shrines, and sake factories to explore.
The territory in present-day Nishitokyo was previously a part of the ancient Musashi Province. Following the cadastral reform after the Meiji Restoration on July 22nd, 1878, it became a part of Kitadachi District in Saitama Prefecture. The villages of Hoya and Tanashi were founded on April 1st, 1889 with the introduction of the modern municipal system. On April 1st, 1907, the southern part of Kitaadachi District was placed under the administrative jurisdiction of Tokyo Metropolis. The city of Nishitokyo was established on January 21st, 2001 through the amalgamation of the cities of Hoya and Tanashi.
The area is abundant with parks ideal for relaxation, picnicking, and people-watching. Kitayama Park near Higashimurayama Station features trees, a pond with lily pads, and a flower-lined path. Sayama Park offers beautiful views of Tama Lake, while Rokusen Park and Hachikokuyama Park provide an idyllic escape from the bustling city.
In addition to parks and shrines, Nishitokyo also offers ice skating lessons at the DyDo Drinco Ice Arena and English-friendly exhibitions for children at the Tamarokuto Science Center.
For sake enthusiasts, Toshimaya Shuzo, one of Tokyo’s oldest sake breweries operational since 1935, is a must-visit. Visitors can check the brewery website in advance for tour information.
The 195-meter-high Tanashi Tower, also known as the Sky Tower West Tokyo, serves as a communications tower and is illuminated at night, with colors corresponding to the following day’s weather forecast. Special colors are used for annual events and occasions such as Christmas and New Year.
